What to Look For in a Used Golf Cart
Jun 27th 2016
The use of golf carts has increased considerably over the years, and, unlike what you’re probably thinking, it’s not because there is a sudden mass of people wanting to take up golf. No, the increase in golf cart sales is due to the varying ways in which people have learned to use them both for work and enjoyment. A golf cart can do anything from making a quick trip to the corner store to completing exhaustive tasks such as hauling loads from a construction site.
You’ll see them transformed into hunting buggies, re-worked into off-roading vehicles, and re-designed to hit the sand dunes. Since they have proved to be so versatile and relatively inexpensive, there has been an influx of people purchasing them. If you’ve been on the outside looking in, and have determined you see the value in owning one yourself, start off with buying a used Club Car, EZ GO, or Yamaha G9 golf cart.
These three steady market brands can be easily altered to your heart’s desire with a few upgraded parts. Before you head down the modification side of things start at the beginning, there is no Kelley Blue Book on how much different carts should be worth. To avoid getting scammed, overcharged, and flat out swindled, here is a list of things you should be looking for when purchasing a used golf cart.
Gas Powered or Electric Golf Cart?
This is the first question you should ask yourself before you begin your search: Do you want a gas powered or battery powered golf cart? The preference between the two lies solely on what you intend to do with your cart. They both have pros and cons, so it just comes down to your purpose.
A gas powered golf cart uses precious fossil fuel, which is a negative, but on the flip side these carts are great for off-roading. With battery powered carts, there is only so much juice; eventually they will need to be charged, which can take eight or more hours, which is also a negative to most. However, they are quiet, odorless, and offer a certain amount of stealth – perfect for people who want to use them for hunting. Once you decide which one you prefer, you can begin the search.
5 Main Things to Look For in a Used Golf Cart
Like most vehicle purchases, the brand you choose is vital. Stick with Cushman, Yamaha, Club Car, and EZ GOthat have established brand reputations. They are well known, reputable, and their parts are easy to come by.These brands also make it easy for you to compare prices. Whether they’re new or used, there is a lot of information on what they are worth based on year, make, and use.
Maintenance History
Always have a thorough understanding of the cart’s history. Just a like a car that’s been sold many times, you need to know all repairs or replacements made. If you’ve decided on electric, check the battery first and foremost; they last between five and eight years, so the newer the better. Always check the serial number to verify that the make, model, and year are correct.
Steel frames can rust and corrode, especially under the battery compartment. This is due to battery acid oozing out and eating at the frame. It can also happen with aluminum frames, thanks to aluminum oxide. Don’t purchase any cart that may have a troublesome frame, as it could break apart, leaving you with two useless halves of a golf cart.
Wiring and Motor
When you inspect the wiring, you’ll want to make sure all wires are protected and routed correctly to ensure they have not been chafed. In essence, be sure to check to see that all wiring looks as though it’s been professionally done. Perform a series of tests with the wiring and motor before buying. Serious issues can be a hidden lemon waiting to sour your mood.
Tires & Drivability
While tires can be easily replaced once you’ve purchased the cart, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look at their condition beforehand. This element goes hand-in-hand with drivability, as well; when you take it out for a test drive, be sure that it’s riding smoothly. If the golf cart bounces up and down frequently on smooth surfaces, it can be a number of things you don’t want to already have to fix, such as a bent wheel or axle, or an out of round tire. Say a polite no thanks and be on your way; crisis averted.
These five points allow you to whittle down your list of potential golf carts, but you’ll need to be far more vigilant to really come out on top. Be sure you also check the brakes and the power supply, listen for odd noises, and, if it is gas powered, check the engine! Then move on to the features; depending on what you want, you should easily be able to find one that has a majority of the features you want. Check each one to ensure it’s in good working order. Lastly, don’t shy away from used refurbished carts. Often they are better taken care of than standard carts. Remember, once it’s yours, you can make as many golf cart upgrades as you want!